Students model the electrical activity of a four chamber heart using coding, LED's and Play-Doh, an electrically conductive modeling compound.

This project explores the anatomy and electrical physiology of the human heart. Students will model the four chambers of the heart and the sequences of contractions required to pump blood. The sinoatrial (SA) and atrioventricular (AV) nodes are simulated using LEDs connected to the TI Innovator Hub. A temperature sensor is used to model the autonomic control system of the heart. As an extra challenge, students can model an AED and use it to rescue their model heart from a ventricular fibrillation event. The electricity in this activity is safe for students and poses no risk of shock.

Students proceed through five challenges leading to building and coding an electrical model of the heart. In an extended challenge, students make and code a model of an AED to restore the heart to normal rhythm. Optionally, students can 3D print an anatomically correct human heart housing for their model. (See included 3D printer ready .stl files).